Masters & Lovers Box Set Three

Bech pushes a vending machine cup at Cappelli. “What’s she saying?”

Cappelli hooks a thumb into a pocket “Never gets any fucking better does it? Denying everything of course. Says she’s being framed.”

Bech barks a laugh. “Of course. Just another victim of a tragic miscarriage of justice.”

“Aren’t they all? Still, looks like that lawyer of hers is going to get her sprung. Bail’s set high but the judge is allowing it. No previous. And it looks like they share a school tie.”

Fuck!

“Who is he? He looked pretty high-class to be the legal for a hooker.”

“Theo Aldred. Subs for Max Devlin. From Hofferman and Partners…”

“Hofferman’s? The prosecutors on the Romani Family case?”

“Yup. Don’t envy him that one. They’ve got all the wits under protection and the judge and lawyers have full surveillance.” Cappelli sucks at the coffee, pulls a face. “Stone-cold… You’re right though. You’d not think he’d turn up for the likes of that one would you?” He tilts the cup at Bech. “I’m going to the machine for another. Want one?”

“Thanks, but no. I’m off in five.”

*****

So, the bitch got herself sprung…

Back in his apartment, Bech paces, curses, bangs his fist on the wall. Then…

The blindingly fuckin’ obvious…

He checks the card index,

And sure enough…

Maximillian Devlin. Lawyer. Married twice. Son by previous.

One daughter by current marriage - favourite topic of conversation. Likes rabbits and pink. Got a pony. Gymkhana. Head girl at Ponterbury.

*****

Michael

ceilings, then brain-cells line up in good order and I remember where I am. Beside me lies Charlotte; eyes closed,

but when I listen, there

a good look at my Sleeping Beauty. She’s looking better than she has

Her father…

Christ…

and her cheeks are brushed with the palest of

Babe…

stroke over the line of high cheekbones with a fingertip.

the stranger who looked out at me for the last few days, but my

reaching to touch me, she smiles.

her face, “How are

eyes are soft and watery. “I’m fine. Really, I’m fine now. I’m sorry

press a finger to her lips. “There’s nothing to be sorry for. I don’t think any of us would have reacted well to learning what you did.” Tracing a curved brow with the pad of my thumb. “Sometimes life throws shit at us, knocks us down. There's no sin in falling

her gaze, she bobs her

want to get yourself pregnant.” Her eyes lift again, widening. “Do you?

voice is a whisper. “Is

we talked about it. It’s fine. Just so long

head. “Thank you.” She nuzzles

“But I never went away. I never will go away…” She sighs. “And yes, I’ve been looking forward to being back in our own bed too.

creases. “You mean

don’t imagine James and I share a bed when you’re not in it with us? He might be my

to disappoint you there.” James holds a

upright. “God,

James grins. “She’s back.”

*****

Twenty-Six Years Ago